Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Sanford, NC: $23.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Sanford, NC runs $23.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,878 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Sanford, North Carolina is projected to be $23.49, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage reflects the opportunities available to both full-time and part-time professionals in the field, particularly those working in diverse environments like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. For part-time workers on a typical schedule of three days a week, this rate translates into a manageable income, while per-diem positions can offer more flexibility. The overall hourly range for veterinary technicians in Sanford varies significantly, starting at $17.91 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $30.31 for top-earning professionals, indicating the potential for progression in this essential role within the veterinary community.
About the Sanford Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.91 | $143.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.23 | $153.86 |
| Median (P50) | $23.49 | $187.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.21 | $225.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.31 | $242.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $23.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.49/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, NC can expect to earn approximately $48,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,194. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $939.79 | $4,072 | $48,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.88 | $2,443 | $29,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.92 | $1,629 | $19,548 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Sanford) | $23.49 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Sanford, NC earn a median of $48,878 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $49,572.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.49/hr = $29,322/year (purchasing power: $31,326).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,869/year (purchasing power: $52,211).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sanford grew 34.1% from $16.60/hr (2019) to $22.27/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.79/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sanford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Sanford
For those weighing part-time commitments against full-time hours, the financial picture becomes more nuanced. A veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate might expect an annual income markedly lower than their full-time counterparts, underscoring the trade-offs involved in choosing hours. In addition, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Sanford often sees hourly billing ranging from $25 to $40, with specialty technicians sometimes commanding even higher fees, particularly for weekend or overnight shifts. The variance in hourly pay is also influenced by the type of employer; for example, corporate chains may offer different compensation and benefits packages compared to independently-owned clinics or research facilities. Additionally, while opting for a position with lower hourly rates might come with comprehensive health insurance, some technicians prefer the associated per diem rates for the flexibility. Understanding these dynamics can aid veterinary technicians in negotiating better pay, especially in a market where demand is high and workforce shortages continue to rise.
More salary data for Sanford, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sanford in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Sanford?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Sanford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Sanford?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Sanford?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sanford. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sanford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov